Governor Bill Lee signed a bill into law last week increasing the penalty for distributing abortion pills through mail or telehealth programs.
QUICK FACTS:
- Lee signed legislation Thursday that increases criminal liability for those found to be sending abortion medication through mail, The Blaze reported.
- The decision came just four days after the news that the U.S. Supreme Court is on the cusp of overturning the Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion across the nation.
- Tennessee’s new law prohibits any remote distribution of abortive medication, although it does not prohibit physicians from prescribing the substances in person.
GOV. BILL LEE ON ROE V. WADE LEAK:
“I am concerned by the leak and any attempt to thwart justice. If the federal courts return full authority to the states, Tennessee’s laws will automatically provide the maximum possible protection and offer a glimmer of redemption as America reconciles our troubled past,” Lee said on his OFFICIAL website. “We are talking about families in crisis – not isolated clinical procedures – and our state will continue to provide protection, resources and care for both mother and child.”
BACKGROUND:
- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the delivery of abortion pills in 2021, along with telehealth being allowed to distribute the drugs due to access concerns during the pandemic.
- Although physicians are not required to monitor patients after taking the substance, they are responsible for scheduling a follow-up visit within two weeks.
- Failing to follow protocol, legislation warrants a fine of up to $50,000 for committing a Class E felony.
